Kita-Akita's Fukuda Shishimai
北秋田市・福田獅子舞
"Witness the dynamic moves of the spiritual lion." - Kazuki Mizobe
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Historical Background
Historical Background
Shishimai, the lion dance in Japan, generally originated from Shinto rituals.
The purpose is to aim for the community's purification, prayers for a good harvest, and protection from sickness. To sum up, 'A Ritual Dance dedicated to Gods.'
By combining dance, music, and mythic enactment, it became one of the most popular folk entertainments across Japan around the Edo period, with thousands of local variations throughout the region.
History
History
By the Kitamae freighter, the Shishimai is spread to Akita around 1805.
Combined with elements of the Shrine festival, it became a shishima that was strongly influenced by maritime and riverine culture.
A local leader named Ushinosuke led more than 60 people from nearby villages to learn and practice the dance.
The performance used to include multiple forms:
Child lions (three-headed lions), large lions, “yatsu-odori,” “banzai,” and processional dances all form a vibrant part of village festival rituals.
Although it was discontinued in 1964, it was revitalized in 1974, and the Fukuda Shishimai Preservation Society was officially established in the same year.
In 2024, it marks its 50th anniversary of the organization.
During the August 14 Obon festival, the dance is performed in schools, local festivals, and folk performing arts competitions, fostering community ties and recognition.
People in the preserved society have received the award filk performing arts scholarship from Akita prefecture.
References
Akita Prefectural Folk Performing Arts Association. (n.d.). Fukuda shishimai. Akita Folk Performing Arts Digital Archive. https://www.akita-minzoku-geino.jp/archives/ja/6089/
Government of Japan. (2025, January). Shishimai: A lively dance performed in a lion costume. Highlighting Japan. https://www.gov-online.go.jp/hlj/en/january_2025/january_2025-05.html
Kita-Akita City. (n.d.). Fukuda shishimai and its preservation activities in Kita-Akita City. https://www.city.kitaakita.akita.jp/archive/p20241119075943
Characteristics
Characteristics
Fukuda Shishimai is held annually at the local Fukuda Inari Shrine
on August 14, at Fukuda Inari Shrine.
The performance is split into 5 parts. It constructs a cohesive story.
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触れ舞 / Fure mai
The opening of the lion in its presence.
地の舞 / Chi no Mai
The basic choreography
祓いの舞 / Harai no Mai
Lion drives away the evil spirits, the evil influence
おかめ舞 / Okame Mai
A comical performance to entertain the audience.
たつまき舞 / Tatsumaki Mai
A stunning climax of a lion's spiral drama.
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With two men portraying one lion, and the Sasara performer guiding along, the astonishing synchronized performance will be presented in the open countryside with the blazing sound of drums and flutes.
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(All In Japanese)
The Editor's Voice
"It is worth noting that the widespread popularity of the Fukudashimai reflects the growing movement to preserve Japan's cultural events in their authentic form. Most people would mainly associate Akita with a snow and winter-oriented aesthetic region. However, in the summertime, you will hear the chimes, the drums, and witness the dynamic moves of the spiritual lion; you will truly feel the authenticity of the spirit of long-preserved Japan. Go to see the exclusive phenomenon you only get to see in the cornerstone of Northern Japan."
Creator: Kazuki Mizobe
Akita International University
Contact / B2200764@gl.aiu.ac.jp
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